scholarly journals Pharmacological interventions for drug-using offenders: an update to a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author(s):  
J. M. Glanville ◽  
A. E. Perry ◽  
M. Martyn-St James ◽  
C. Hewitt ◽  
S. Swami ◽  
...  

Abstract This updated systematic review assesses the effects of pharmacological interventions for drug-using offenders. Methods Systematic review protocols and conventions of the Cochrane Collaboration were followed to identify eligible studies. Studies were pooled in a meta-analysis to assess the impact of pharmacological interventions on drug use and criminal activity. An economic appraisal was conducted. Results The search strategies identified 22 studies containing 4372 participants. Meta-analyses revealed a small statistically significant mean difference favouring pharmacological interventions relative to psychological interventions in reducing drug use and criminal activity. When comparing the drugs to one another there were no significant differences between those included (methadone versus buprenorphine, naltrexone and cyclazocine). Conclusion Overall, the findings of this review suggest that methadone and naltrexone may have some impact on reducing drug use and reincarceration. Individual pharmacological drugs had differing (generally non-significant) effects. One study identified serious adverse events. Three studies reported cost and consequences information sufficient to conduct a full economic analysis but this was not comprehensive enough to be able to make judgements across all treatment options. Full economic analyses should be encouraged. The study findings were limited mainly to male adult offenders.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallikarjuna Reddy PONNAPA REDDY ◽  
Ashwin SUBRAMANIAM ◽  
Zheng Jie LIM ◽  
Alexandr ZUBAREV ◽  
Afsana AFROZ ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: Several studies have reported adopting prone positioning (PP) in non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related hypoxaemic respiratory failure. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of PP on oxygenation and clinical outcomes.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and the COVID-19 living systematic review from December 1, 2019 to July 23, 2020. We included studies that reported using PP in hypoxaemic, non-intubated adult patients with COVID-19. Primary outcome measureed was the weighted mean difference (MD) in oxygenation parameters (PaO2/FiO2, PaO2 or SpO2) pre and post-PP. Results: Fifteen single arm observational studies reporting PP in 449 patients were included. Substantial heterogeneity was noted in terms of, location within hospital where PP was instituted, respiratory supports during PP, and frequency and duration of PP. Significant improvement in oxygenation was reported post-PP: PaO2/FiO2 (MD 37.6, 95% CI 18.8-56.5); PaO2 (MD 30.4 mmHg, 95% CI 10.9 to 49.9); and SpO2 (MD 5.8%, 95% CI 3.7 to 7.9). Patients with a pre-PP PaO2/FiO2 ≤150 experienced greater oxygenation improvements compared with those with a pre-PP PaO2/FiO2 >150 (MD 40.5, 95% CI -3.5 to 84.6) vs. 37, 95% CI 17.1 to 56.9). Respiratory rate decreased post-PP (MD -2.9, 95% CI -5.4 to -0.4). Overall intubation and mortality rates were 21% (90/426) and 26% (101/390) respectively. There were no major adverse events reported. Conclusions: Despite the significant variability in frequency and duration of PP and respiratory supports applied, PP was associated with improvements in oxygenation parameters without any reported serious adverse events. The results are limited by lack of control arm and adjustment for confounders. Clinical trials are required to determine the effect of awake PP on patient-centred outcomes.Systematic review registration: Registration/protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020194080).



Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jashmitha Rammanohar ◽  
James Sutton ◽  
K T Matthew Seah ◽  
Wasim S Khan ◽  
Kendrick To

Abstract Background/Aims  Osteoarthritis is a major cause of morbidity and disability. Much of this comes from joint pain, which is exacerbated by movement and exercise. Pharmacological analgesia therefore not only has the obvious benefit of alleviating pain, but in doing so, it also facilitates exercise (a pillar of conservative management). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are currently the main analgesics used in this context. However, these agents can cause unwanted side effects and are contraindicated in some patients. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Cochrane collaboration criteria to evaluate the efficacy of anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) antibodies as potential alternative analgesics in osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee. Whilst tanezumab has been studied extensively and monoclonal anti-NGF antibodies have been reviewed in other pain states, this is the first systematic review of three key anti-NGF antibodies: tanezumab, fulranumab and fasinumab in symptomatic hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Methods  An interdisciplinary work group conducted a literature search across seven electronic databases for the use of anti-NGF antibodies in osteoarthritis. All hip/knee osteoarthritis studies investigating anti-NGF antibodies regardless of dose regimen or phase of trial were included. Studies in which participants received NSAIDs or analgesics other than anti-NGF antibodies, or studies in which the only intervention was the administration of anti-NGF antibodies in combination with NSAIDs or other analgesics were excluded. The Jadad Scale score was used to assess the quality of each study. Results  Thirteen studies involving 8,145 patients with a diagnosis of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis were analysed. Demographic information including duration of disease and Kellgren-Lawrence grades were also extracted. Anti-NGF antibodies showed significant improvements compared to placebo as rated on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scales for pain (SMD= -0.50, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.28, P < 0.00001; I2 = 88%), physical function (SMD= -0.82, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.55, P < 0.00001; I2 = 94%) and stiffness (SMD= -0.88, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.54, P < 0.00001; I2 = 95%). These agents were not associated with a significant increase in serious adverse events but were associated with a significant increase in discontinuation due to adverse events, abnormal peripheral sensations and peripheral neuropathy. Conclusion  Anti-NGF antibodies appear very promising with regard to alleviating osteoarthritic hip/knee pain but more studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and the overall risk-to benefit ratio, particularly with long-term use. Disclosure  J. Rammanohar: None. J. Sutton: None. K. Seah: None. W.S. Khan: None. K. To: None.



2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 630-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor K Bloedon ◽  
Rock E Braithwaite ◽  
Imogene A Carson ◽  
Dorothy Klimis-Zacas ◽  
Robert A Lehnhard

Abstract Context Supplementing with fruits high in anthocyanins to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation has produced mixed results. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to discuss the impact of whole fruits high in anthocyanins, including processing methods and the type and amount of fruit, on inflammation and oxidative stress. Data Sources PICOS reporting guidelines and a customized coding scheme were used to search 5 databases (SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, Web of Science [BIOSIS], Medline [Pubmed], and the Cochrane Collaboration) with additional cross-referencing selection. Data Extraction A random-effects meta-analysis was used to measure effects of the fruit supplements with 3 statistics; the QTotal value based on a χ2 distribution, τ2 value, and I2 value were used to determine homogeneity of variances on 22 studies (out of 807). Outliers were identified using a relative residual value. Results A small significant negative summary effect across the sum of all inflammatory marker outcomes (P < 0.001) and a moderate negative effect for the sum of all oxidative stress marker outcomes (P = 0.036) were found. Moderator analyses did not reveal significant (P > 0.05) differences between subgrouping variables. Conclusions Results indicate that consumption of whole fruit high in anthocyanins can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.



2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002601
Author(s):  
Manit Saeteaw ◽  
Phitjira Sanguanboonyaphong ◽  
Jukapun Yoodee ◽  
Kaitlyn Craft ◽  
Ratree Sawangjit ◽  
...  

AimsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated benefits of pharmacological interventions for cachexia in improving weight and appetite. However, comparative efficacy and safety are not available. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for cachexia.MethodsPubMed, EmBase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for RCTs until October 2019. Key outcomes were total body weight (TBW) improvement, appetite (APP) score and serious adverse events. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. NMA was performed to estimate weight gain and APP score increase at 8 weeks, presented as mean difference (MD) or standardised MD with 95% CI.Results80 RCTs (10 579 patients) with 12 treatments were included. Majority is patients with cancer (7220). Compared with placebo, corticosteroids, high-dose megestrol acetate combination (Megace_H_Com) (≥400 mg/day), medroxyprogesterone, high-dose megestrol acetate (Megace_H) (≥400 mg/day), ghrelin mimetic and androgen analogues (Androgen) were significantly associated with MD of TBW of 6.45 (95% CI 2.45 to 10.45), 4.29 (95% CI 2.23 to 6.35), 3.18 (95% CI 0.94 to 5.41), 2.66 (95% CI 1.47 to 3.85), 1.73 (95% CI 0.27 to 3.20) and 1.50 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.44) kg. For appetite improvement, Megace_H_Com, Megace_H and Androgen significantly improved standardised APP score, compared with placebo. There is no significant difference in serious adverse events from all interventions compared with placebo.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that several pharmacological interventions have potential to offer benefits in treatment of cachexia especially Megace_H and short-term use corticosteroids. Nonetheless, high-quality comparative studies to compare safety and efficacy are warranted for better management of cachexia.



2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15085-e15085
Author(s):  
S. Deva ◽  
M. B. Jameson

e15085 Background: H2RAs have induced regression in a number of malignancies. The mechanisms that may contribute to this effect include inhibition of T-suppressor lymphocytes, increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and blockade of histamine-induced tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Unique to cimetidine is its ability to inhibit vascular endothelial expression of the cell adhesion molecule E-selectin, to which many GI tumor cells adhere via carbohydrate antigen ligands. The optimal use of H2RAs in cancer patients could therefore be as adjuvant therapy rather than for metastatic disease. Methods: This systematic review examines the impact of H2RAs on the overall survival of patients when used as an adjunct to curative surgical resection for a GI malignancy. Using a sensitive search strategy, randomized controlled trials were identified in relevant databases. Criteria for study selection included: patients with colorectal or gastric cancer surgically resected with curative intent; H2RAs used i) at any dose, ii) for any length of time, iii) with any other treatment modality and iv) in the pre-, peri- or post-operative period. The results were stratified for both the type of malignancy and the H2RA used and analyzed by meta-analysis using Cochrane Collaboration software. Results: Of 350 trials identified, 8 were eligible for inclusion and had sufficient data for analysis, including a total of 1461 patients. Meta-analysis revealed a risk ratio for mortality of 0.86 (95% CI 0.76–0.99, p = 0.03) for patients randomised to H2RAs. Trials of colorectal cancer patients where cimetidine was the H2RA being evaluated demonstrated a significant survival advantage, risk ratio 0.53 (95% CI 0.33–0.84, p = 0.007). All other subgroups demonstrated a non-significant trend favouring H2RAs. Conclusions: H2RAs, and cimetidine in particular, appear to confer a survival benefit when given as an adjunct to curative surgical resection of GI cancers. The trial designs were heterogeneous and further large studies are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.



Author(s):  
Juan Vega-Escaño ◽  
Ana María Porcel-Gálvez ◽  
Rocío de Diego-Cordero ◽  
José Manuel Romero-Sánchez ◽  
Manuel Romero-Saldaña ◽  
...  

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and evaluate the impact of interventions to improve or reduce insomnia in the workforce through randomized clinical trials. Following the recommendations of the PRISMA and MARS statement, a systematic literature search was carried out on the PubMed, Web of Science, CINHAL, and PsycINFO databases, with no restrictions on the language or publication date. For the meta-analysis, a random-effects model and the Insomnia Severity Index were used as outcome measures. To assess the risk of bias and the quality of evidence, the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the GRADE method were used, respectively. Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 12 studies in the meta-analysis, making a total of 14 intervention groups with a sample of 827 workers. Cognitive behavioral therapy was the most widely used intervention. According to the estimated difference between the means, a moderate effect for the reduction of insomnia symptoms after the intervention (MD −2.08, CI 95%: [−2.68, −1.47]) and a non-significant degree of heterogeneity were obtained (p = 0.64; I2 = 0%). The quality of the evidence and the risk of bias were moderate. The results suggest that interventions on insomnia in the workplace are effective for improving workers’ health, and that improvements in the quality of sleep and a decrease in the symptoms of insomnia are produced, thanks to an increase in weekly sleeping hours and a reduction in latency at sleep onset. As regards work, they also led to improvements in productivity, presenteeism, and job burnout.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallikarjuna Ponnapa Reddy ◽  
Ashwin Subramaniam ◽  
Zheng Jie Lim ◽  
Alexandr Zubarev ◽  
Afsana Afroz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTPurposeSeveral studies have reported adopting prone positioning (PP) in non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related hypoxaemic respiratory failure. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of PP on oxygenation and clinical outcomes.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase and COVID-19 living systematic review from December1st 2019 to July23rd 2020. We included studies that reported using PP in hypoxaemic, non-intubated adult COVID-19 patients. Primary outcome measure was the weighted mean difference (MD) in oxygenation parameters (PaO2/FiO2, PaO2 or SpO2) pre and post-PP.ResultsFifteen single arm observational studies reporting PP in 449 patients were included. Substantial heterogeneity was noted in terms of, location within hospital where PP was instituted, respiratory supports, frequency and duration of PP. Significant improvement in oxygenation was reported post-PP: PaO2/FiO2, (MD 37.6, 95%CI 18.8, 56.5); PaO2, (MD 30.4 mmHg, 95%CI 10.9, 49.9); and SpO2, (MD 5.8%, 95%CI 3.7, 7.9). Patients with a pre-PP PaO2/FiO2 ≤150 experienced greater oxygenation improvements compared with those with a pre-PP PaO2/FiO2 >150 (MD 40.5, 95%CI −3.5, 84.6) vs. 37, 95%CI 17.1, 56.9). Respiratory rate decreased post-PP (MD −2.9, 95%CI −5.4, −0.4). Overall intubation and mortality rates were 21% (90/426) and 26% (101/390) respectively. No major adverse events were reported.ConclusionsDespite significant variability in frequency and duration of PP and respiratory supports, PP was associated with improvements in oxygenation parameters without any reported serious adverse events. Major limitation being lack of control arm and adjustment for confounders. Clinical trials are required to determine the effect of awake PP on patient-centred outcomes.Systematic review registrationRegistration/protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020194080).What is the key question?Is the novel approach of prone positioning in non-intubated patients associated with improvement in oxygenation?What is the bottom line?Prone position in non-intubated severe COIVD 19 suffers is associated with improvement of oxygenation while the short- and long-term patient centred out comes in this awake prone patient need more investigation.Why read on?Our study is first of its kind (Systematic review and Meta-analysis) summarising the evidence surrounding the less invasive innovate technique of prone position in non-intubated COVID-19 patients.



2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco De Crescenzo ◽  
Laura Amato ◽  
Fabio Cruciani ◽  
Luke P Moynihan ◽  
Gian Loreto D’Alò ◽  
...  

Background: Several pharmacological interventions are now under investigation for the treatment of Covid-19, and the evidence is evolving rapidly. Our aim is to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of these drugs.Methods and Findings: We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis searching Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Covid-19 register, international trial registers, medRxiv, bioRxiv, and arXiv up to December 10, 2020. We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any pharmacological intervention for Covid-19 against any drugs, placebo or standard care (SC). Data extracted from published reports were assessed for risk of bias in accordance with the Cochrane tool, and using the GRADE framework. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). We estimated summary risk ratio (RR) using pairwise and network meta-analysis with random effects (Prospero, number CRD42020176914). We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis searching Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Covid-19 register, international trial registers, medRxiv, bioRxiv, and arXiv up to December 10, 2020. We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any pharmacological intervention for Covid-19 against any drugs, placebo or standard care (SC). Data extracted from published reports were assessed for risk of bias in accordance with the Cochrane tool, and using the GRADE framework. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). We estimated summary risk ratio (RR) using pairwise and network meta-analysis with random effects (Prospero, number CRD42020176914). We included 96 RCTs, comprising of 34,501 patients. The network meta-analysis showed in terms of all-cause mortality, when compared to SC or placebo, only corticosteroids significantly reduced the mortality rate (RR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83, 0.97; moderate certainty of evidence). Corticosteroids significantly reduced the mortality rate also when compared to hydroxychloroquine (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.74, 0.94; moderate certainty of evidence). Remdesivir proved to be better in terms of SAEs when compared to SC or placebo (RR 0.75, 95%CI 0.63, 0.89; high certainty of evidence) and plasma (RR 0.57, 95%CI 0.34, 0.94; high certainty of evidence). The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir proved to reduce SAEs when compared to plasma (RR 0.49, 95%CI 0.25, 0.95; high certainty of evidence). Most of the RCTs were at unclear risk of bias (42 of 96), one third were at high risk of bias (34 of 96) and 20 were at low risk of bias. Certainty of evidence ranged from high to very low.Conclusion: At present, corticosteroids reduced all-cause mortality in patients with Covid-19, with a moderate certainty of evidence. Remdesivir appeared to be a safer option than SC or placebo, while plasma was associated with safety concerns. These preliminary evidence-based observations should guide clinical practice until more data are made public.



2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Strang ◽  
Teodora Groshkova ◽  
Ambros Uchtenhagen ◽  
Wim van den Brink ◽  
Christian Haasen ◽  
...  

BackgroundSupervised injectable heroin (SIH) treatment has emerged over the past 15 years as an intensive treatment for entrenched heroin users who have not responded to standard treatments such as oral methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) or residential rehabilitation.AimsTo synthesise published findings for treatment with SIH for refractory heroin-dependence through systematic review and meta-analysis, and to examine the political and scientific response to these findings.MethodRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of SIH treatment were identified through database searching, and random effects pooled efficacy was estimated for SIH treatment. Methodological quality was assessed according to criteria set out by the Cochrane Collaboration.ResultsSix RCTs met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Across the trials, SIH treatment improved treatment outcome, i.e. greater reduction in the use of illicit ‘street’ heroin in patients receiving SIH treatment compared with control groups (most often receiving MMT).ConclusionsSIH is found to be an effective way of treating heroin dependence refractory to standard treatment. SIH may be less safe than MMT and therefore requires more clinical attention to manage greater safety issues. This intensive intervention is for a patient population previously considered unresponsive to treatment. Inclusion of this low-volume, high-intensity treatment can now improve the impact of comprehensive healthcare provision.



Author(s):  
Andreea Matei ◽  
Louise Montalva ◽  
Alexa Goodbaum ◽  
Giuseppe Lauriti ◽  
Augusto Zani

AimTo determine (1) the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), (2) the impact of NEC severity on NDI in these babies and (3) the cerebral lesions found in babies with NEC.MethodsSystematic review: three independent investigators searched for studies reporting infants with NDI and a history of NEC (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus). Meta-analysis: using RevMan V.5.3, we compared NDI incidence and type of cerebral lesions between NEC infants versus preterm infants and infants with medical vs surgical NEC.ResultsOf 10 674 abstracts screened, 203 full-text articles were examined. In 31 studies (n=2403 infants with NEC), NDI incidence was 40% (IQR 28%–64%) and was higher in infants with surgically treated NEC (43%) compared with medically managed NEC (27%, p<0.00001). The most common NDI in NEC was cerebral palsy (18%). Cerebral lesions: intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) was more common in NEC babies (26%) compared with preterm infants (18%; p<0.0001). There was no difference in IVH incidence between infants with surgical NEC (25%) and those treated medically (20%; p=0.4). The incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) was significantly increased in infants with NEC (11%) compared with preterm infants (5%; p<0.00001).ConclusionsThis study shows that a large proportion of NEC survivors has NDI. NEC babies are at higher risk of developing IVH and/or PVL than babies with prematurity alone. The degree of NDI seems to correlate to the severity of gut damage, with a worse status in infants with surgical NEC compared with those with medical NEC.Trial registration numberCRD42019120522.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document